MMPI - Clinical Scales

Question 1

How are the scores represented?

Answer 1

• raw scores on scales transformed into standardized metric (t-scores)
• mean 50
• SD 10

Question 2

What are the 10 clinical scales?

Answer 2

1. Hypochondriasis (Hs)
2. Depression (D)
3. Hysteria (Hy)
4. Psychopathic Deviate (Pd)
5. Mas-Fem (Mf)
6. Paranoia (Pa)
7. Psychasthenia (Pt)
8. Schizophrenia (Sc)
9. Hypomania (Ma)
10. Social introversion (Si)

Question 3

Explain the Hs scale

Answer 3

• hypochondriasis
• denial of good health + admission of many somatic sx
• high scorers also commonly report anxiety, depression and fatigue
• seen as: selfish, demanding, hostile, lack insight, unsuited to psychotherapy

Question 4

Explain the D scale

Answer 4

• depression
• measures dep sx (mood, personal worth, somatic complaints, worry, withdrawal, anhedonia)
• older people score 5-10 higher

Question 5

Explain the Hy scale

Answer 5

• hysteria
• measures denial of physical + psychological problems
• higher scores in women and with higher IQ

Question 6

Explain the Pd scale

Answer 6

• psychopathic deviate
• family/sexual problems, diffis with authority, minor offending, life dissatisfaction
• younger people tend to score higher (rebelliousness + issues with family or origin)

Question 7

Explain the Mf scale

Answer 7

• masculinity-femininity

- education = higher scores for men/lower scores for women

Question 8

Explain the Pa scale

Answer 8

• paranoia

- psychotic sx, suspiciousness, grandiosity,, sensitivity, rigidity

Question 9

Explain the Pt scale

Answer 9

• psychasthenia
• assesses psychological turmoil and discomfort
• OCD closest to original formulation (obsessions, anxiety, worry, self-doubt, unhappiness, physical complaints, concentration problems)
• do better in long-term therapies

Question 10

Explain the Sc scale

Answer 10

• schizophrenia

- psychotic sx, social alienation, impulsivity, sexual concerns, concentration problems, fears, dissatisfaction

Question 11

Explain Ma scale

Answer 11

• hypomania
• activity level, excitability, grandiosity, irritability, family problems, values, physical concerns
• young people commonly 50-60; elderly often <50

Question 12

Explain Si scale

Answer 12

• social introversion
• social participation, self-worth, mistrust, sensitivity
• scores increase with age (adolescents 40-50, older people 50-60)

Question 13

What are the cut-off scores?

Answer 13

ALL EXCEPT M/F
Very high: 75+
High: 65-74
Moderate: 55-64
Average: 45-54
Low: <45

M/F
High: 65+
Average: 45-64
Low: <45